main content Burgers could be back on the menu

The owner of an illegal late night burger van, seized by the Council in February, may have his van returned. After pleading guilty to unlicensed street trading at Bromley Magistrates Court last week, Mr Taylan Aktas of Braesyde Close, Belvedere, was fined £100 and ordered to pay £220 towards the costs of seizure and storage of the van and £150 in legal costs. The van will be returned on condition that he pays £220 within 28 days.

“We are very disappointed with the Court’s decision. But, it is our duty to keep our streets safe and we cannot and will not condone any form of illegal street trading. We will continue to monitor the situation but failure to comply with the law will give us no alternative but to seize the van again” said Councillor George Taylor, Executive Councillor for the Environment.

An application was made to the court for forfeiture of the burger van but Mr Aktas explained that it was his livelihood and so the application was refused. However, legislation allows the Council to retain the van for a further 28 days following the court hearing. Mr Aktas must pay £220 in full before this period expires, in order for the van to be returned to him. If no payment is made, the van will be disposed of.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

• Mr Aktas was first prosecuted in May 2000 for unlicensed street trading. Despite being heavily fined on several occasions since then, he continued to offend until his burger van was seized in February 2005. 
• There are currently no further court cases outstanding.
  
• For media enquiries, please contact Andrew Rogers, Communications Advisor on 020 8461 7670 e-mail andrew.rogers@bromley.gov.uk or Peter Turvey, Enforcement and Technical Support Manager on 020 8313 4901